Defensive back Tanner Jacobson (Southlake, Texas/Carroll) is one of those football players who doesn’t mind doing the dirty work. He’ll play offense, defense and special teams if that’s what the coaches want.

Jacobson’s blue-collar attitude is heightened when you see that he is one of Carroll’s top overall players. Jacobson lines up primarily at safety for the Dragons, but he has also played cornerback on defense and wide receiver on offense. Jacobson’s also been a special teams contributor.

“I’m one of those guys who will give you my best day in and day out,” said Jacobson, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound athlete. “I’m going to fight every play. I’m going to be a cerebral player. I’ll know my assignments, and you’ll never have to question my instincts. I think my instincts and my versatility are my greatest athletes as a football player.”

Jacobson’s versatility makes him an attractive player to colleges. He has an offer from Houston Baptist, and he’s receiving interest from SMU, Baylor and Utah State. Jacobson is a starter on a Carroll team that is 12-1 and will compete in the fourth round of the Texas Class 5A Division I playoffs Saturday against nationally ranked DeSoto.

Jacobson’s been able to receive some sound advice about recruiting from someone who’s been in his shoes. His older brother is McKay Jacobson, a former BYU standout who spent time in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“The greatest advice he’s given me is not to worry about it; just play,” Tanner Jacobson said. “Your play on the field will take care of itself. I haven’t worried about it too much. As long as I’m playing good and we’re winning, the other things will work.”